This beautiful book explores how intertwined Islam and caring for the earth are in a kid appropriate manner. The rhyming lines and fun illustrations are accompanied at the end by very detailed sourcing, references, and tips. All non fiction or fictionalized fact books should be sourced this well, it really has set the bar, and left most books in the dust. My only real critique of the book is that I wish it was larger. The pictures and dancing text need more space to be poured over and enjoyed. The 8×8 size doesn’t do the 36 page book justice. The inside text should also be a more uniform/consistent in size. At times the rhyme is off and feels forced, but because there are facts on each page the story isn’t read consecutively. You break the rhyme scheme to ponder over the “Did you know?” sections, so the beat and cadence isn’t super important. Overall, a well-done book to share and discuss with children ages 5 and up, and a great reference, resource, and memorable teaching tool to bring us all closer to the prophetic mannerisms we strive to emulate.
The book starts off with a message by naturalist, Director of the Art and Wilderness Institute and author of “How to Draw 60 Native CA Plants and Animals, a Field Guide (and my former childhood penpal) Sama Wareh. It then jumps in to exploring the miracle of nature on land and under the sea. It shows desert landscapes, and mountainous ones, jungles, and farms, valleys and cities.
The book talks about water: Zam Zam and wudu and where clean water comes from. How little water we should use according to hadith and how to respect all living things. It talks about Prophet Sulaiman (as) showing kindness to even an ant. And how planting a tree is charity. It shares information about reusable goods, limiting waste, and understanding eco systems.
The book concludes with easy to read Hadith references, Quranic references, a glossary, and action items.
Islamic School Librarian 